New York Islanders should be sellers at trade deadline

Kyle Palmieri

Like Nelson, Kyle Palmieri could be a reasonable addition for a relatively low price to contenders. Palmieri shouldn’t fetch a first-round pick. But he should bring in two to three useful pieces. Perhaps a combination of a mid-round pick and two depth pieces could help the Islanders retool, especially on the blue line.

I’d hate to see Palmieri go. But if it comes down to recouping whatever the Isles can get, Palmieri, another impending free agent, could make a solid option to consider for numerous teams. A club like the Colorado Avalanche comes to mind, considering Valeri Nichushkin’s recent injury.

Pierre Engvall

This trade suggestion may draw a few scoffs. Engvall isn’t likely on any teams’ radar at the moment. But things can change from now till the trade deadline. Injuries are real and contenders may grow increasingly desperate to fill voids in their lineups.

Moreover, some teams may be craving depth for a strong playoff run. Clubs like the Edmonton Oilers or Vancouver Canucks could consider adding a player like Engvall, especially if they trade a top-six forward.

Engvall shouldn’t fetch nearly as much as Nelson on Palmieri. But the Isles do gain something valuable in return: Cap space. The $3 million per season that would suddenly become available could be enough to help the Islanders find another serviceable middle-six forward or bolster the blue line.

In the end, the Isles will likely wait till the last minute to fleece desperate teams. Lou Lamoriello’s done it before. In the meantime, if the Islanders make a run for the playoffs, plans could be aborted at the last minute.